Question

What are the physicochemical technical parameters of XPO-4 (glycerol polyoxyethylene ether oleate), a high-temperature leveling agent?

XPO-4 (glycerol polyoxyethylene ether oleate) is a nonionic surfactant with high purity (≥99%) and HLB value of 13.5. It appears as a light yellow to yellow viscous liquid at room temperature, exhibiting excellent water solubility and high-temperature stability.

Detailed Description

The chemical name of XPO-4 is glycerol polyoxyethylene ether oleate, with the general molecular formula C₃H₅(OC₂H₄)nOOCC₁₇H₃₃, where the number of ethylene oxide adducts n≈4~20, and the molecular weight ranges from about 1000 to 1500 (varying with the number of EO units). This product belongs to the nonionic surfactant category, with a monoester content ≥90%, diester content ≤5%, and free alcohol ≤1.0%, ensuring high purity and excellent surface activity.

This product exhibits outstanding physicochemical stability: cloud point ≥95°C (1% aqueous solution), showing no demulsification or stratification under high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing conditions; good resistance to hard water, dilute acids, and dilute alkalis, making it suitable for alkaline dyeing processes. It also features low foaming characteristics, reducing foam-related issues in industrial applications. The water content is ≤1.0%, with a high active ingredient content to ensure usage efficiency.

From a safety and environmental perspective, this product has a flash point >150°C, classifying it as a non-flammable liquid; acute oral toxicity LD₅₀ >5000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity; and a biodegradation rate >70% (OECD 301B method), classifying it as readily biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

Technical Parameters

Basic Physical Properties

Parameter ItemSpecification Value
Appearance (room temperature)Light yellow to yellow transparent viscous liquid
Ionic typeNonionic
Molecular formulaC₃H₅(OC₂H₄)nOOCC₁₇H₃₃, n≈4~20
Molecular weightApproximately 1000~1500 (varies with EO number)
Density (20°C)Approximately 1.05 g/cm³
Kinematic viscosity (25°C)Approximately 300 mPa·s
Refractive index (20°C)Approximately 1.465
Melting point<0°C
Flash point>150°C (non-flammable liquid)
Moisture content≤1.0%
HygroscopicityHygroscopic

Surface Activity and Functional Parameters

Parameter ItemSpecification Value
HLB value13.5
Cloud point (1% aqueous solution)≥95°C
Surface tension (1% aqueous solution, 25°C)Approximately 28 mN/m
Critical micelle concentration (CMC)0.01~0.1 g/L
Foaming propertiesLow foaming
Water solubilityEasily soluble in water and organic solvents
Chemical stabilityStable under normal conditions, resistant to hard water, dilute acids, and dilute alkalis
Alkali resistanceGood alkali resistance, suitable for alkaline dyeing

Chemical Index Parameters

Parameter ItemSpecification Value
Active ingredient content≥99%
Solid content≥99%
pH value (1% aqueous solution)5.0~7.0
pH value (5% aqueous solution)5.0~7.0
Acid value≤2 mgKOH/g
Saponification valueApproximately 30~80 mgKOH/g (varies with EO number)
Hydroxyl valueApproximately 50~150 mgKOH/g (varies with EO number)
Iodine value40~60 gI₂/100g
UnsaturationApproximately 0.5~1.0 mmol/g
Monoester content≥90%
Diester content≤5%
Free alcohol≤1.0%
Heavy metals (as Pb)≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)≤2 mg/kg
Amine value/Tertiary amine contentNone
Free phosphoric acid/Phosphate monoester/Phosphate diester/Combined phosphorusNone (this product does not contain phosphorus)

Application Recommendations

With an HLB value of 13.5, XPO-4 is a hydrophilic O/W emulsifier, particularly suitable as a leveling agent for high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing of polyester and its blended fabrics with disperse dyes. The recommended dosage is 0.5~2.0 g/L of the dye bath (specific dosage should be optimized based on dye concentration, dyeing depth, and equipment conditions). In industrial emulsification and dispersion fields, it can be used as an emulsifying and dispersing component in formulations such as inks, coatings, and pesticide emulsifiable concentrates. It can also be compounded in chemical fiber finishes to impart good smoothness and cohesion to fibers.

Precautions

  • Eye protection: This product is classified as eye irritant category 2 (H319). Safety goggles or face shields must be worn during operation. In case of accidental eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
  • Storage temperature: It is recommended to store sealed at 5°C~40°C. The product may freeze below 0°C, but after thawing and mixing evenly, the performance is generally not affected.
  • Environmental protection: This product is harmful to aquatic organisms (H402). Do not discharge untreated waste liquid directly into water bodies or soil. Although the biodegradation rate is >70%, proper disposal is still required.
  • Compatibility: It has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants, making it widely applicable in compounding systems.
  • Packaging specifications: Conventional packaging is in 200 kg and 50 kg plastic drums.